In Spiegelman's graphic novel Maus, the panels closely followed both the past and present. Of course, there is a clear gap between the past and present in our measure of time. However, Spiegelman disregards the line drawn between the past and present and understood "how to use every available centimeter to get as much stuff packed into a small space as possible" (Chute). Throughout the novel, the panels shift back and forth from Vladek's history to the present where Art is listening in on his father's survivor tale. Placing panels of the past and present strengthens the general story. This shows how the past and present are always surrounded by each other, separated only by the thin borders of each panel. Sometimes the present is literally bordered by panels of the past. The present revolves inside the events of the past. There is an impact, which can be seen in Vladek's changed personality and view of the world, and in his almost irritable way of retelling his gruesome story to his son. Without both the past and present, the perspective portrayed within the scenes of the Holocaust and Artie's questioning and understanding of that past wouldn't exist.
In addition, smoke is a significant symbol in regards to the idea connecting the past and present. In one scene, as Vladek is talking to Artie, he complains at the smoke from Artie's cigarette. Smoke is a hazy and cloudy substance with gas and particles. It blurs ones vision but doesn't impair it like darkness would. This aligns with the idea of how the past and present aren't so distant. Vision isn't so clear between the past and present because one is history and one is the living outcome of the history. However, the impact the past has on the present allows for slight vision like in smoke.
Another way that cigarette smoke plays a role in this concept is how Art's father "bleeds history". The smoke is a form of release which is similar to bleeding. Vladek is irritated by the smoke which is parallel to his uneasiness when retelling his horrid past. Vladek from the past is bringing his life into the present, while Art from the present is digging up and rebuilding the past.
"I want to tell your story, the way it really happened" (Spiegelman 23).
Jennifer!
ReplyDeleteI really liked how you related smoke with vision and the existing gap between the past and present. I especially like how you said that the impact the past has on the present allows for slight vision like in smoke. It was also great how you talked about the "My Father Bleeds History" and how you think the smoke is parallel to his uneasiness when retelling his story.